A Kampuchea Krom monk was issued a summons yesterday to appear in a Phnom Penh court tomorrow to face accusations of incitement.

In a letter obtained by the Post yesterday, the investigating municipal judge, Duch Kimson, ordered Sieng Sovannra, a monk at the Samaki Raingsey pagoda, to attend an inquiry into his role in a protest led by Stung Meachey villagers and his fellow monks over a land dispute with a wealthy trader.

Duch Kimson said the summons marked the opening of an inquiry into the case.

He was not able to comment on the identity of the plaintiff, but said the case was filed “according to procedure.”

Sieng Sovannra said he was innocent, but would attend the court. More than 300 families are involved in the land dispute. They are supported by monks of the Samaki Rangsey pagoda, who attended a related court hearing with them on November 8.

Sin Chumchuon, director of the Khmer Kampuchea Krom for Human Rights and Development Association, said he would arrange for a lawyer to accompany Sieng Sovannra to “protect (the monk) from being arrested”.